Accurate measurement of respiratory function is necessary to assess and manage asthma.

Spirometry is the best lung function test for diagnosing asthma and for measuring lung function when assessing asthma control. The measurement of peak expiratory flow with conventional peak flow meters has significant limitations.

Most adults and children over 6 years of age can perform spirometry.

The aim of spirometry in general practice is to assess variability of airflow obstruction, and to measure the degree of airflow obstruction compared to predicted normal. Accurate measurement of respiratory function is necessary to assess and manage asthma.

The National Asthma Council Australia, along with the Lung Foundation Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand recommend that all doctors managing asthma should have access to and use a spirometer for this purpose.

Choose your newsletter preferences

Consumers

The Asthma Experts monthly eNews is to help people with asthma, their families and carers to stay up to date with latest asthma news, research and resources from Australia and around the world.

Health professionals

Join our thriving asthma community of primary carers and specialists working together to improve the lives of people with asthma. The Asthma Experts eNews is circulated monthly and includes all the latest news, views and research from the asthma world.